Plans to build a wellness retreat for “millennials from London” have been met with anger from neighbours, who fear the loss of green space, trees and “peace”.

Four luxury holiday cabins, a community building, and car park are proposed for land off Spanton Crescent and Turnpike Hill in Hythe.

Developer and landowner Escape Holiday Ventures says the retreat would allow guests to “escape the stresses of modern life” and would have “wellness in nature at its heart”.

No wifi or TVs are planned for the site, and visitors - a high percentage of whom are expected to be couples or “millennials or Gen Z from London” - will be encouraged to arrive by train.

Millennials are defined as those born between 1981 and 1996, while Gen Z encompasses those born between 1997 and 2012.

The community building will accommodate weekly events such as yoga, talks or craft making and will be a hireable space for local residents too.

Four cabins are proposed in total, each of which will include a living area, kitchen, and bedroom. All will be linked by a boardwalk through the woodland which will allow “human life and nature to live and thrive cohesively”.

Each will have a different theme, including the ‘Lookout’, which will have an open terrace offering views over the valley, or the ‘Woodsman’s Cabin’ which will “take forward the concept of a relatively ramshackle outbuilding”.

Baths will be placed “strategically” near windows to encourage relaxation.

Planning documents state: “Being in the wood and next to the river provides the perfect backdrop for all the senses, allowing guests to slow down and appreciate the environment surrounding them.

“The cabins are designed to encourage guests to enjoy mindful moments watching the natural world around them, even when the weather is not so enjoyable, baths are placed strategically near windows encouraging guests to relax and take in the moment while ‘hibernating’ in their hideaway.”

The land in question, close to residential streets, has been “unmanaged” for years, developers say, and has suffered from fly-tipping and littering.

But those living nearby say they are “deeply concerned” over the proposals. They feel the decision to build on the patch of woodland makes no sense and are asking why people would want to go on holiday to a housing estate.

Emma Sharp, who has lived in the area for 22 years, decided to buy her home because of the nearby countryside and does not want to see it replaced by this development.

“It’s going to have a huge effect on so many people,” she said. “It’s a really well-used part of the community and is used by dog walkers, cyclists, school children – everyone.

“I wanted to live in Hythe because of the beauty of the surroundings. Right by my house we have these beautiful woods and can hear the birds, the lake and a lot of nature. It’s just so peaceful and calm.

“The mental health aspect of it is fantastic. If we’ve had a bad day, we all know the benefit of fresh air and going for a walk.”

When the 40-year-old learnt of the plans for the holiday retreat, she launched a petition in a bid to gather support from her neighbours to fight it. So far, 148 people have signed it.

“When the letter came through the door, I felt like I had to share that information with as many people as possible, so at least everyone can have their voice heard,” she said.

“We need to protect this green land and nature for our future generation.”

David Bussell, who has lived in nearby Britten Close for about 32 years with his partner Diana Dawson, says he only found out about the plans through social media.

“I’m a bit of an environmentalist, to say the least,” he said. “I just think the habitat destruction is totally unwarranted. There’s so much wildlife here and it’s a lovely area.

“People’s homes are going to be affected by noise and it will affect the value of their homes because it’s going to be an eyesore.

“It’s not the place for it.”

Developers say five poor-conditioned trees will be removed as part of the scheme, but all will be replaced.

They also say the cabins will be aimed at couples or individuals seeking tranquillity, and therefore noise will be minimal to avoid disturbance to the surrounding wildlife.

David Taylor, 73, and his wife Elaine, 72, fear the retreat will result in increased traffic.

“I’ve been onto the council to get yellow lines put down on the road between the junctions of London Road and Britten Close because that’s a real hazard,” Mr Taylor said.

“People who live up here make allowances for that but holidaymakers won’t know and it will exacerbate the problem.”

Mrs Taylor added: “It’s a really bad road.

“Who would want to come here on holiday? The ground can’t be very good either because it’s on a hill.”

Those behind the proposal say walking and cycling will be encouraged at the retreat.

Planning papers add: “The uniqueness of being within the woodland yet on the edge of the urban area means a wealth of facilities and amenities can be easily accessed by foot, by bike or public transport.

“Walking and cycling will be encouraged by the provision of maps, route guidance and bikes which will be available to guests to not only access the local amenities, businesses and villages and attractions further afield but to encourage leisure journeys that give an appreciation of historical heritage and landscape importance.”

Julie Bell says her grandchildren are upset over the scheme.

“This is all our natural, local environment and we come here a lot and take a lot of notice of the nature here,” she said.

“We don’t want all this intrusion of noise and building and extra rubbish.”

Pavlina Hunnibal lives opposite the site and has expressed fears over accessing her driveway.

“Getting out in my car is my main worry because I have three children and often drive to places, especially school,” she said. “We all need our green space.”

The plans are awaiting a decision from Folkestone and Hythe District Council. So far, 61 members of the public have submitted objections to the authority’s planning portal. There are none in favour.

But despite growing concerns, those behind the plans say they have no intention of damaging the woodland.

A spokesperson for Escape said: “The site has unfortunately been subject to ash dieback creating many dangerous trees that need to be removed for public safety or have already fallen.

“We intend to replant native trees that will help the wood flourish and by managing this new growth and preventing soil erosion in the surrounding areas will ensure we can create a strong and healthy woodland for many generations to come.

“The project will help facilitate a strong management plan for the woodland and woodland floor, to protect the space for future generations.

“The site is currently used by many local walkers and school children who venture off the path to avoid muddy and slippery pathways. The project will help improve this with a footpath management plan to prevent off-path trespass and consequent soil erosion.

“We will promote quiet enjoyment of the countryside encouraging walking and cycling with strict policies on noise to respect the local community.

“This small urban edge space provides the perfect connection between nature and town facilities, allowing guests to explore the extensive countryside, businesses and experiences on offer in Hythe and the local area without the need for a car.”

The planning documents add the developers feel noise would be kept to a minimum, with a lights out at 10pm initiative – adding that guests will be provided with a low-lumen torch/flantern in lockers by the car park should they need to access the cabins in the dark.

On Monday, residents plan to protest against the scheme outside Folkestone Town Hall from 6.30pm.